(A/N: Hi there everyone! I'll be splitting the summer festival into 2 chapters otherwise it will become too long. So which means, you guys get double updates this time round! Yay! Okay, enough of me talking and let's go on with the story! Happy reading! )
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Part 2: Chapter 18a
"Everyone! We're here!"
All heads turned towards the direction of your voice as you waved at your teammates with a big smile on your face, announcing your arrival.
"Shut up, you're so annoying," Tsukishima said irritatingly and hit you on your head.
"Ow! Why did you hit me on the head, string bean?!" You demanded as you glared at Tsukishima, rubbing your head.
Tsukishima ignored you as he made his way towards where the rest of the Karasuno team were laughing at both of your antics. Yamaguchi chuckled as he patted you on the head gently while you cursed the blond male under your breath, each taking a seat next to Tsukishima.
"Stupid dinosaur lover." You muttered under your breath as you miserably took a bite out of your sandwich.
Tsukishima gave you an annoyed glare which you return with by sticking out your tongue at him. Before the two of you could break out into a fight again, Daichi said in a warning voice, "If you two bicker one more time, you're gonna have to clean the entire gym after training."
Your (e/c) eyes widen at your captain's words as you passed your sandwich to Tsukishima who took it wordlessly as he ate his lunch.
"You can't do that captain! That's so unfair. This is how Kei-kun and I work, isn't that right?" You protested as you turned to Tsukishima, silently begging for help.
Tsukishima shrugged as he turned his attention to Yamaguchi who was talking about something related to dinosaurs. Your mouth dropped wide in shock at the fact that the strawberry lover betrayed you while Daichi gave you a smug look, silently saying that he has won.
Everyone watched with amused smiles as you sat in one corner, muttering about how the world hates you as you grew some mushrooms.
It was currently lunch period and the Karasuno team was having lunch together on the rooftop. Laughter filled the air, making the atmosphere lively. You sat next to Tsukishima with a smile on your face as you watched your friends goofing around and enjoying themselves.
Tanaka and Nishinoya were trying to get Kiyoko's attention who ignored the idiotic duo as she and Yachi discussed today's training schedule. Meanwhile, the third years were talking about which university they planned to apply to after graduation. You let out a laugh as Hinata and Kageyama competed to see who could finish eating their lunch first. Yamaguchi and the rest of the second years were chatting about some new anime that recently just came out.
You took a bite out of your sandwich as you thought to yourself, 'We should do this more often.'
"What are you smiling about? It's creepy." Tsukishima said, snapping you out of your thoughts.
"Shut up! My smile is the loveliest smile in the world!" You retorted with a glare.
"I know. I am just joking." Tsukishima gave you a soft smile that left you with bright red cheeks.
"I hate you string bean." You muttered, not meaning what you say.
"I know, I know. I hate you too, Munchkin." Tsukishima chuckled as he stroke your (h/c) hair gently, his cheeks slightly pink.
"Aww so cute!" Suga fanboy (?) as he took pictures of you and Tsukishima with his handphone.
Both of you snapped out of it as you pushed Tsukishima away, your face bursting into million shades of red while Tsukishima simply looked away. The blond male was trying to act like he wasn't embarrassed, but his red ears gave him away.
"T-This isn't what it looks like!" You shouted in embarrassment, not believing that you got caught up in the moment with Tsukishima.
"(nickname)-chan, don't be shy. There's nothing to be ashamed in liking Tsukishima." Suga reprimanded you gently.
"Exactly! We'll support the both of you!" Both Tanaka and Nishinoya added on.
At this point, you wished that the ground would open up and swallowed you so that you can die peacefully from all these embarrassments. Luckily for you, Daichi came to your rescue as he wrapped his arms around his vice-captain and dragged him away who was trying to take more pictures of you and Tsukishima.
After reprimanding the silver-haired setter, Daichi said, "Alright, now that's out of the way, I have an announcement to make."
When the black-haired spiker was certain that all attention was focused on him, he went on. "Before you make any sort of noise, wait until I finish speaking first. Anyway, today's training is cancelled-"
"WHAT?! WHY?!"
Before Daichi could even finish his sentence, both Hinata and Kageyama cut him off, not believing that they wouldn't be able to play their favourite sport today. Soon after, everyone began to voice their concerns, wondering what was going on. Daichi rubbed his forehead as a headache began to form from all the noises.
Having enough of it, Daichi growled, causing everyone to immediately shut up. "Shut up! If you guys haven't cut me off so soon, you'll know why training is cancelled today."
"Sorry." Everyone muttered their apologies.
Daichi sighed as he went on. "Honestly one of these days I'm gonna get white hair at an early age. Anyway, the reason why training is cancelled today is that we'll be attending one of Miyagi's shrines famous summer festival. Ukai-san, Takeda-sensei and I have been discussing letting you guys have a break. After all the hard work everyone put in, you all deserve a break."
Daichi watched as his team's faces lit up with excitement at the thought of going to a summer festival. Soon enough, everyone broke out into chatters as they voiced their excitement. Your (e/c) eyes lit up at the thought of the fun games you can play and the delicious food melting on your tongue.
"What are you getting so excited about? It's just a festival." Tsukishima said as he glanced at his teammates with an annoyed look, not understanding what's all the fuss about.
Your entire body turned and faced the annoyed male with glimmering eyes, your excited face shoved into his personal space. "But that's because it's been years since I attended a summer festival!"
Tsukishima glowered at you as he pushed your face away from, turning his body away from you as he tried to steady his heartbeat at the close proximity between the two of you. He nearly had a heart attack when your face came out of nowhere with your big (e/c) eyes, invading his personal space.
Sometimes, Tsukishima thinks that you're acting cute unconsciously.
"Noya-san! We get to see Kiyoko wearing a yukata!" Tanaka expresses his excitement to the libero who has a dreamy look on his face at the thought of their beauty manager in a sexy yukata.
"Right, Ryuu! Tonight will be the night of young!" Nishinoya shouted as the bald second-year joined in, their loud voices drowning out all other noises.
"Shut up!" Daichi glared at the idiotic duo as he hit them on the head.
Nishinoya and Tanaka cried out in pain as they collapsed onto the ground, clutching their heads in pain. Daichi glared at them again as he faced everyone, saying. "Alright. Since that there's no training today, you can go home directly after school to rest up before meeting up. We'll be meeting at the entrance of the shrine at 6 pm. Don't be late!"
"Osu!" Everyone let out their agreement.
After that, everyone broke into smaller groups as they began to talk about tonight's festival. You walked away from Tsukishima as you headed in the direction of Karasuno's managers.
"Ya-chan! Kiyoko-senpai!"
The two managers turned to you with smiles on their faces when they heard you calling their names. You skipped your way over to them with a huge grin on your face as you joined them, chatting amicably about tonight's event.
"Hello, (nickname)-chan! Are you looking forward to the festival?" Yachi asked excitedly.
You nod your head as you took Yachi by the hands and began to swing her around and around. "Yeap! I can't wait!"
Kiyoko gave a small smile at her underclassmen's excitement. The beauty third-year laughed as she saw how pale Yachi's face from being spun around too hard. "Alright, (name)-chan. I think that's enough. Hitoka-chan looks like she's gonna lose her lunch anytime soon."
Upon hearing your senior's words, you immediately released Yachi who stumbled as she tried to find her balance with a sheepish look. "Sorry, Ya-chan. I guess I got too excited."
"It's okay, (nickname)-chan. I'm fine." Yachi replied, her head still spinning.
Kiyoko stabled Yachi as she thought of something. Both of you and Yachi glanced at one another with curious looks when you two saw the thoughtful look on your senior's face.
"What do you think is Kiyoko-senpai thinking about?" You asked.
"I have no clue." Yachi shook her head in reply.
"Hitoka-chan, (name)-chan, what are you two doing after school today?" Kiyoko asked as she waits patiently for both your answers.
"Me? I'm most likely going home to get ready for the festival." You replied with a slightly confused look on your face.
Yachi nodded her head in agreement. Kiyoko's mouth lifted into a small smile as she lowered her voice so that the boys couldn't hear what she was saying. "How about coming to my house to get ready for the festival?"
Both yours and Yachi's eyes widened with excitement at the suggestion. Kiyoko went on, "You guys can go home first and put down your stuff before heading over to my place. Don't forget to bring along your yukatas (1)."
"Yes, ma'am!" Both you and Yachi saluted, causing Kiyoko to let out a chuckle.
However, your (e/c) eyes dimmed when you realised that you don't have a yukata that you can wear to the festival. Looks like you have to wear your ordinary clothes which won't bring out the full experience. Your mood darkened at that thought as your shoulder slumped, a frown present on your face.
Kiyoko and Yachi glanced at you and back to one another when they saw you seating in one dark corner growing mushrooms again, a dark cloud over your head. Kiyoko approached you with concern, asking, "You seem upset, (name)-chan. What's the matter?"
You turned to face the black-haired beauty with a sadness in your eyes, your mouth wobbling as you sniffed, trying not to cry. "Kiyoko-senpai...I don't have a yukata to wear to the festival. Now, I'll not be able to experience the true meaning of summer festival."
Kiyoko's face softened as she patted you gently on the head, reassuring you. "Don't worry, (name)-chan. I have some yukatas that are too small for me to wear, I can lend them to you."
Your face brightened up as you wrapped your arms around Kiyoko, thanking her. "Thank you, senpai! You're so kind!"
"You're welcome, (name)-chan." Kiyoko softly replied as she returned your hug, a small smile on her face.
Yachi clapped her hands in glee as she joined in the group hug, a huge smile on her face. "Yay!"
Some of the Karasuno's boys watched with curiosity while the rest watched with blushes on their faces, awe shining in their eyes at the sight of their females teammates hugging and laughing with one another. Flowers were literally spewing out from the three girls as one thought crossed all the boys' minds.
'We're blessed to have them on our team.'
"Ryuu, Kiyoko-san is laughing and smiling," Nishinoya said with hearts in his eyes at the sight of the usually stoic black-haired manager.
"Noya-san, the gods are blessing us today. Thank you, Kami-sama (2)." Tanaka clasped his hands together as he turned his head to the heavens, giving thanks to the gods.
Tsukishima watched with opened mouth, his cheeks pinking at the sight of the girl he loves who was glowing ever so brightly. The first-year felt his heartbeat spiking and butterflies danced in his stomach when you send a bright smile his way, your (e/c) eyes lighting up with joy.
At that moment, Tsukishima thought you looked beautiful.
"Tsukishima, flies are going to build their homes in your mouth if you don't close it." Suga casually commented, causing Tsukishima to snap out of his daydream.
Tsukishima's face burst into a brilliant red when he realised he was caught staring at you like a lovesick puppy by his senior. He pushed up his glasses as he replied, trying to hide the fact that he was embarrassed. "What are you talking about Suga-san? I wasn't staring at munchkin. I definitely do not think that she looks beautiful at all."
Suga smirked when he saw the blonde's golden eyes widened in horror at what he just said. It was obvious that the first-year was more smitten than he lets on. "So, (name)-chan looks beautiful huh. I guess that's one way you can put it."
"No! You get it all wrong!" Tsukishima defended himself, feeling flustered.
Suga patted Tsukishima on the back as he teased him endlessly. "Tsukishima, just let it all out. I wouldn't judge."
Tsukishima became more flustered as minutes passed, completely defenceless against his vice-captain teasing. He let out a groan and buried his face in his hands, his cheeks still bright red.
Today was not his day at all.
***
"Pardon the intrusion." Both you and Yachi said as both of you removed your shoes, placing them neatly next to Kiyoko's ones.
"You guys can head into my room first. I'll be there shortly after I get some snacks and drinks for us. My room is at the end of the hallway." Kiyoko gave you two a smile before entering the kitchen.
Yachi and you walked up the stairs, looking forward to the festival. You guys took a seat on the floor, Kiyoko joining not long after. She placed the tray on the table, smiling, "Help yourself while I look for (name)-chan's yukata."
"Thank you, Kiyoko-senpai!"
You took a bite out of the sandwich as you faced Yachi, saying. "Ya-chan, how does your yukata looks like?"
Yachi dug into her bag before retrieving a smaller bag containing her yukata. You watched with curious eyes as she took out her yukata and displayed it to you. "Here, this is my yukata."
Your (e/c) eyes shone as you took in the yukata. It was a black yukata with simple leaves colored orange, the obi(3)Â was in light pink. You faced Yachi as you exclaimed with awe, "It's such a pretty yukata, Ya-chan! Where did you get it from?"
Yachi blushed as she admired the yukata with fondness, softly saying, "My grandmother made it for me years ago."
You smiled as you replied, "She must have loved you very much."
Yachi and you exchanged smiles as Kiyoko approached you and handed you your yukata. "Here, (name)-chan. I hope you like it."
You took the yukata from Kiyoko's hands and unfold it gently. Your eyes widened in awe and surprise at the sight of the yukata. It was black in color, decorated with all sorts of flowers in various shade of pink. You felt tears welling in your eyes as you whispered, "It's beautiful."
You turned to Kiyoko with tearful eyes and smiled in gratitude. "Thank you, Kiyoko-chan. I love it."
Kiyoko smiled in return. Yachi clapped her hands as she cheerfully said, "Now that (nickname)-chan has a yukata, let's get ready!"
For the next two hours, the three of you got ready for the summer festival. The room was filled with laughter and chatters as all three have a fun time helping one another to get ready. You smiled as you watched Kiyoko doing Yachi's hair while the young one talked about school.
You were happy that you get to be friends with such kind people.
***
You turned around in a circle slowly, being careful that you didn't trip and dirtied Kiyoko's yukata. Your (e/c) eyes widen in awe as you took in the sight and sounds surrounding you.
Lanterns were strung throughout the shrine, lighting up the entire place like giant fireflies. Laughter and chatter could be heard filling the air as people of all ages enjoyed what the festival has to offer them.
Children were running around, while their parents walked behind them to ensure that their kids wouldn't get lost. Teenagers could be seen in beautiful yukatas as they played festivals games with their friends. The older generation was just walking around, reminiscing their younger days.
You couldn't believe that you get to experience such a magical event, nonetheless with your closest friends. As you, Yachi and Kiyoko approached the shrine's entrance, you saw the Karasuno's boys waiting for all three of you.
"Kiyoko-san, you looked beautiful in your yukata!" Tanaka and Nishinoya complimented the beauty third-year with hearts shining in their eyes.
Kiyoko blushed lightly as she gave them a shy smile, not used to being complimented. The two boys fainted as arrows shot their hearts, their souls flying to heaven. You let out a chuckle as you glanced at your friends. Everyone was donned in the traditional male yukatas and you have to admit they all looked quite handsome.
Asahi was dressed in a brown yukata, Daichi in a plain maroon one and Suga was donned in a yellow yukata with stripes. Meanwhile, the second years were also in similar yukatas as their upperclassmen, except Nishinoya and Tanaka who were both dressed in a white and blue patterned yukatas respectively.
Your fellow first years were also dressed in their finest. Hinata was dressed in a coloured polka dots navy yukata, Kageyama's yukata was patterned in white and blue checkers and Yamaguchi was dressed in a sky blue yukata patterned with tiny clouds.
You shifted your attention to Tsukishima who was dressed in a simple black yukata, a white obi holding it in place. Although the blond's yukata doesn't stand out from the rest, for some reasons, you were enraptured by him.
Tonight, Tsukishima Kei looked very handsome.
'I mean, he usually looks handsome. It's just that tonight he looks even more handsome than ever.' You bit your lips thoughtfully, a light blush dusting your cheeks.
Tsukishima was standing at the entrance of the shrine along with his teammates who were making such loud noises with a bored look. The middle blocker rather be at home than here, thinking, 'This is such a waste of my time.'
However deep down, Tsukishima was feeling nervous while everyone waited for the girls to arrive. He can't help but wondered how you'll look like in a yukata. So, when Tsukishima caught sight of the three of you, his golden eyes immediately searched for you.
Let's just say the first-year nearly had a heart attack when his golden eyes landed on you.
Tsukishima's eyes widen in shock at the sight of you. Your yukata brought out the (e/c) in your eyes that were shining with awe and excitement as you took in the sight of the festival. Your (e/c) hair that was tied up into a messy bun with a flower pin attached to it glowed under the lanterns, some of your loose hair framing your face gently.
However, the moment you smiled at him with a bright smile that light up your entire face, Tsukishima knew that he was a goner. Swallowing the lump that seemed to be stuck in his throat, he approached you with butterflies fluttering in his stomach.
Tsukishima's heart nearly jumped out of his chest when you gave him a shy smile, (e/c) hues peeking out from under your eyelashes as you whispered his name like a melody, "Kei-kun."
"(name)..."
You shuddered as Tsukishima breathed out your name, causing your heart to skyrocket like crazy. The two of you were stuck in your own world as you two drank in the sight of each other. The background noises faded, replaced by the beating of both your hearts. Golden and (e/c) stared at one another with shyness, affection and fondness. You almost felt like drowning at the way how Tsukishima was staring at you with such raw emotions on display.
Your breath hitched as Tsukishima gave you a soft smile, tugging a loose strand of hair behind your ear as he complimented you. "You look absolutely breathtaking tonight, munchkin."
Your heart was bursting with emotions as your brain screamed at you to snap out of it before it's too late.
Sometimes all you need to do is feel with your heart and not think with your brain.
You calmed down immediately as Suga's words came to mind. You took a deep breath as you decide to take Suga's words to heart. 'Tonight, I'm gonna feel with my heart and not think with my brain.'
Ignoring the blush that was visible on your face, you glanced up at Tsukishima with a soft smile. "Thank you, Kei-kun. You look handsome tonight."
Tsukishima felt his face grows hot at your words as he turned away from you, not wanting you to see that your words affected him. "N-No one asked."
You giggled at the tsundere standing before you as you shook your head, a giant smile threatening to split your face in half.
"Alright, now that the girls are here, let us enjoy the festival!" Daichi shouted with everyone echoing in agreements.
The team broke into smaller groups as everyone headed into the shrine to enjoy the festival, promising to meet by the tall tree at the back of the shrine to watch the fireworks display later on.
You watched as your friends dispersed, blending into the crowds. You turned to look for a certain ball of sunshine and blueberry to ask if they wanted to explore with you, only to realize that they were gone. You head turned left and right to look for your friends but to be only met with unfamiliar faces.
You stood there in horror as one thought crossed your mind, 'I'm lost!'
You began to panic at the thought of being left all alone in a crowded place that you were unfamiliar with. This was the worst thing to ever happen to you and you felt like crying even before you could enjoy the festival.
You didn't want to move and looked for the team, knowing that you will get even more lost thanks to your terrible sense of direction.
"What are you standing there for Munchkin? Everyone already left to go and enjoy the festival. How are you gonna enjoy the festival if you're just gonna stand there like an idiot?"
You left out a breath of relief when you heard Tsukishima's annoying voice coming from behind you. You turned around and saw Tsukishima standing there with his arms crossed, a slight frown on his face.
Tsukishima approached you with a concerned look on his face when he noticed that your eyes were glossy, as though you were about to cry. "You look like you're about to cry."
You let out a laugh as you wiped away the tears gathering in your eyes with the sleeve of your yukata. "Thanks for stating the obvious, Captain Obvious."
Tsukishima rolled his eyes as he pulled into you a hug, his arms wrapped around you. "You thought you were lost right?"
You nodded your head in reply as you buried your head into Tsukishima's chest, taking in his scent which calmed you down immediately. Tsukishima stroked your hair as the two of you stood there in the middle of the crowd.
A few minutes passed before you pulled slightly away from Tsuksihima and glanced up at him, asking curiously, "What are you doing here? I thought you left with Yamaguchi."
"Yamaguchi went off with Hinata and Kageyama to ensure they wouldn't cause any trouble. I decided to go with you, knowing that you'll get lost. Looks like I make the right decision to stay back." Tsukishima gave you a smirk.
You hit Tsukishima on the chest and glared at him as you retorted, "Stupid string bean."
"Yea, yea. We should get going before it got too late. After all, it's been a while since you went to a festival right?" Tsukishima asked, his golden eyes staring back at you with an unknown emotion.
You looked at Tsukishima with curiosity, wanting to ask why was he looking at you like that. However, you pushed the question away when Tsukishima raised a brow, silently asking what are you looking at.
You shook your head and gave the male a smile, saying, "Nothing. So, where should we head off to first?"
Tsukishima narrowed his eyes slightly before walking off into the crowd, leaving you behind. Not wanting to be left alone again, you hitched your yukata up as you chased after the megane. "Kei-kun, wait for me."
Tsukishima continued walking as he ignored you, the distance growing between you two. You tried to run after the middle blocker, hoping you can catch up to him. Unfortunately, it wasn't easy to walk in a yukata, let alone run in one.
Suddenly, your right foot got caught on a loose tile and caused you to lose your balance. Your eyes widen as you let out a yelp, knowing that you were gonna kissed the floor. Today was so not your day.
Instead of coming in contact with the floor, you were caught in mid fall. You glanced down at the arms curled around your waist before following it until you met the eyes of its owner. Golden orbs stared back at you with fear and anger.
Tsukishima plants you on your feet, his arms still wrapped tightly around your waist. With an angry look on his face, Tsukishima exclaimed, "What were you thinking? You nearly kissed the floor!"
You shrunk back in fear as you lowered your head, your voice trembling as you apologized. "Sorry."
Tsukishima sighed as he unwrapped his arms from around your waist, muttering, "What am I gonna do with you?" before grabbing your hand and began to make his way through the crowd, pulling you gently along.
You glanced at the hand clasping your right hand, slender fingers entwined with yours before looking up at Tsukishima whose back was facing yours.
"Kei-kun, why are you holding my hand so tightly? You asked curiously.
"..."
"Kei-kun?"
"Don't get the wrong idea! I'm holding your hand so that you wouldn't get lost or fall down again, you clumsy idiot." came the reply from a flustered Tsukishima.
You blinked once, twice before breaking out into a smile when you saw red ears peeking out from under blond hair. You tightened your hold on Tsukishima's hand as you cheerfully said, "Thank you, Kei-kun!"
Silence enveloped you two despite the loud noises from the festival filling the air. You were starting to think that Tsukishima was ignoring you when suddenly you heard him saying softly, "You're welcome, (name)."
You smile softly as your heart beat wildly and butterflies danced in your stomach, your cheeks pinking at the blond's words.
For the rest of the night, both you and Tsuksihima enjoyed the festival with one another.
***
(1):Â a light cotton kimono
(2): gods
(3):Â a broad sash is worn around the waist of a Japanese kimono